Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program
Nutrition education in early childhood settings establishes lifelong healthy eating habits and supports children's physical development. This monthly review assesses the quality of nutrition education activities, the health-supporting mealtime environment, and family engagement in healthy eating per CACFP, NAEYC, and Head Start performance standards.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Center Director / Lead Teacher
- Total Items: 32
Nutrition Education Activities
Review nutrition education activities for children.
- Nutrition education activities appropriate for children's developmental levels?
- Variety of nutrition education methods used (books, cooking, gardening, tasting)?
- New foods introduced regularly through tasting and exploration?
- Age-appropriate cooking or food preparation activities offered?
- Garden or growing activities incorporated into nutrition learning?
- Monthly nutrition or food theme integrated into curriculum?
Healthy Mealtime Environment
Review the mealtime environment for health-supporting practices.
- Family-style meal service used to support self-regulation?
- Children never pressured to eat specific amounts or clean plates?
- Food not used as reward or punishment?
- Mealtimes are pleasant, social, conversation-centered experiences?
- Staff eat with children modeling healthy eating?
- No screen time (TV, tablets) during meals or snacks?
Physical Activity Integration
Review physical activity practices supporting nutrition.
- Minimum 60 minutes of structured physical activity daily for children 3+?
- Children not sedentary for more than 30 minutes at a time except sleeping?
- Daily outdoor play provided weather permitting?
- Indoor movement breaks incorporated into daily schedule?
- Screen time limited to 1 hour maximum per day for children 2-5?
Family Engagement in Nutrition
Review family education and engagement activities.
- Monthly nutrition information shared with families?
- Weekly menu shared with families in advance?
- Nutrition resources available to families (recipes, grocery tips, WIC info)?
- Culturally responsive foods and nutrition education representing enrolled families?
- Family input on menus and food preferences sought?
Staff Nutrition Knowledge and Modeling
Verify staff nutrition competency.
- Staff received nutrition education training in past 12 months?
- Staff model healthy eating behaviors during meals with children?
- Staff use positive, non-judgmental language about food and bodies?
- Staff avoid diet talk, comments about weight, or negative food labeling?
- Staff practice and model proper food safety and hygiene?
CACFP Wellness Policy
Verify wellness policy requirements.
- Written wellness policy current and accessible?
- Wellness policy covers nutrition, physical activity, and screen time?
- Wellness policy reviewed and updated annually?
- Parents informed of wellness policy at enrollment?
- Nutrition program notes
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review
- After-School Program Pickup Authorization and Safety
- Childcare State Licensing Compliance Self-Audit
- Childcare Staff Training and Professional Development Compliance
- Childcare Transportation Safety Inspection
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance - FREE Download
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management - FREE Download
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation - FREE Download
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program?
This childcare nutrition education and healthy eating program helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for center director / lead teacher professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Nutrition Education Activities, Healthy Mealtime Environment, Physical Activity Integration, Family Engagement in Nutrition, Staff Nutrition Knowledge and Modeling, CACFP Wellness Policy. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program?
This checklist is designed for Center Director / Lead Teacher professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.